Students can get to know their new home at Info Fair

Hundreds of clubs, offices, departments and community
organizations, including the AS Outdoor Center, will be
at the Associated Students Info Fair Sept. 24 and 25.

By Geri Massengale,
WWU University Communications Intern

Every year just before fall quarter begins, Western holds its largest information fair of the year to introduce new and returning students to campus activities as well as academic and community resources.

An estimated 6,000 people will fill Red Square for the annual Info Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 24 and 25, the Monday and Tuesday before classes begin.

Hundreds of Associated Students (AS) clubs and offices, departmental clubs, local nonprofits and businesses will set up their booths around Fisher Fountain. Jordan Renshaw, a senior Business/Marketing major from Woodinville, is the student coordinator for the Info Fair and the Associated Students Special Events Coordinator. Renshaw says the fair is an experience for incoming students that previews on and off-campus organizations that have become staples of the Western experience.

It is vital for new and returning students to attend the Info Fair, says Western junior Everlyn Animas, because it enables them to witness Viking pride coming from a diverse community.

“You can tell there's a lot of excitement and enthusiasm going on through the little performances each club does or the games each club's booth provides,” Animas said. “It is the prime time of the year to see what opportunities Western can provide you. “

Animas is part of Sini-Gang, a hip-hop dance group created from the Filipino-American Student Association. She and two other members danced at the Info Fair last year and now, as the dance group’s coordinator, she is looking forward to creating a new set for this year’s fair.

Around 135 clubs, 30 to 40 academic departments and 30 local nonprofits and businesses are set to be at the Info Fair. The AS provides clubs for sports, music, meditation, fashion, culture, dance, religion and academics. For example, the Harry Potter Club usually sets up a booth to share their magic with the campus and the Appreciate Beyoncé Club members dance to “Single Ladies” to recruit new members.

Renshaw says the committee strives to make each Info Fair bigger and better than the year before. He says there are plenty of surprises for the upcoming Info Fair, including an underwater robot provided by the Marine Technology Club.

Mallards will serve ice cream and Comcast will assist many students living off-campus with subscription deals. There will also be free food, prize giveaways and performances by music and dance talents from Western. KUGS-FM, Western’s student-run radio station, will DJ the event.

“I am very excited for this year’s Info Fair,” Animas says. “I plan to have more performers this year and to make our set more interactive.”

The Info Fair will be in the Viking Union Multi-purpose room if it rains.

Getting the most out of Info Fair

Bring water: You’ll be walking around a lot and it may be hot. Lines of people waiting for free food and beverages can also get long so bring water to avoid waiting to quench your thirst.

Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to approach booths and ask a club or department what they’re all about; they are ready to talk to you.

Look out for deals: Info Fair will be the best opportunity to get great deals on food, memberships and groceries. If you are moving into a new apartment, there are vendors who will provide student discounts on cable and Internet access.

Get involved: There will already be opportunities to get involved right at the Info Fair. Ride a raft in the fountain or climb the rock wall!

To find out more about Associated Student Clubs students can visit OrgSync for a detailed list and description and details on how to join: wwu.orgsync.com/home.